Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

  To purchase this Sefer click here       The stringencies of the Zohar-Not to touch one’s clothing:[1] According to the Talmud and Codifiers one may touch his clothing prior to washing.[2] The only restriction according to the Talmud is not to touch food and drink [or orifices of the […]

Q&A on touching food and liquids What is the law of food or drink that was touched prior to washing hands in the morning after awakening?[1] The dispute amongst Poskim: Many Poskim[2] rule the food and drink remains permitted to be eaten. Other Poskim[3] rule that it may not be […]

Not to touch food and drink:[1] [It goes without saying that one must be very careful[2]] not to touch any food or drink prior to washing in order not to contaminate it. [Women must be especially warned regarding this as the majority of the food preparations are done by them.[3]] […]

Not to touch the washing water:[1] One must be [very[2]] careful[3] not to touch the water in the vessel before washing[4] as one who does so contaminates the water with his hands [and is considered as if it was already used and is hence invalid for washing[5]]. Thus one must […]

May one itch himself in middle of one’s sleep if he has an itch in the above mentioned areas?[1] If one has an itch in one of the above mentioned areas of his body then he is to scratch it using a cloth[2] and may not do so using his […]

The restrictions which apply prior to washing ones hands: A. The parts of the body that one is to avoid touching:[1] [The Talmud severely warns[2] that] one may not touch his eyes[3] [lest he become blind[4]], ears [lest he become deaf[5]], nose [lest he contract bad smells[6]], mouth [lest he […]

Introduction: Every Jew upon awakening in the morning is required to wash his hands with a blessing. The reasons behind this blessing and all of its Halachic details will be discussed in the next chapter. Prior to washing one’s hands there are certain matters that are forbidden to be done. […]

Saying Modeh Ani: In what position is it to be recited? One should say it while still sitting or lying on his bed.[1] [One who sits up on his bed is to do so without placing his feet on the ground.[2] One is to place one hand against the other, […]

  Saying Modeh Ani:[1] Immediately upon awakening, even prior to washing ones hands[2], it is proper to[3] [accustom oneself[4] to] say Modeh Ani.[5] [This is done in order to remember that Hashem is standing over him and motivate him to get up with alacrity.[6] Alternatively it is done in order […]

Thinking of being in G-d’s constant presence: To think of G-d immediately upon awakening:[1] [Immediately upon awakening, in order for one to overcome his inclination and motivate himself to get out of bed with alacrity[2]], he should [accustom himself to immediately[3]] think about who he is lying before and how […]